State approves trail grants for Jersey City’s Liberty State Park and North Bergen’s Waterfront Park

Hudson Reporter

Feb 04, 2013 | 2531 views | 0 | 9 | |

JERSEY CITY AND NORTH BERGEN -- According to a press release, the Christie Administration has approved nearly $2.2 million in grants for projects that will develop and improve passive and motorized trails across the state, such as Jersey City’s Liberty State Park and North Bergen’s upcoming Waterfront Park. The grants are administered by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program.

The $24,000 trail grant will include the creation of an interior trail system at Liberty State Park. North Bergen’s Waterfront Park development has also received a $24,000 trail grant.

“The Christie Administration is committed to providing ample opportunities for the public to enjoy the great outdoors in New Jersey,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin. “These grants, made possible by the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program, will fund great recreational trail projects in a wide range of places, from our cities to our suburbs to our woodlands.”

The goal of the federal Recreational Trails Program is to improve open space, enhance environmental resources, create urban and suburban corridors, and provide additional hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle opportunities.

According to the release, the grant recipients were recommended for funding by the New Jersey Trails Council and approved by the Federal Highway Administration. The Trails Council is comprised of representatives from hiking, mountain biking, motorized trail use, canoeing/kayaking and horseback riding interest groups, as well as several general trail advocates and state government representatives.

To learn more about the state’s vision, goals and action plan for recreational and motorized trail development or to apply for a 2013 grant, visit www.trails.nj.gov.